We’re looking forward to introducing you to Areona Carter. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Areona, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think one of the biggest misunderstandings about my business is that it is just playing with dogs all day. In reality, running Carter’s K-9 is hard work. Every dog has personal needs and quirks that we carefully attend to, including medications, feeding schedules, behavioral challenges, and emotional support. Some nights are sleepless because of severely anxious dogs, dogs who have digestive blowouts, or dogs who tear things up. Beyond training and play, our focus is on providing individualized care, keeping dogs safe and happy, and supporting their overall wellbeing, which requires skill, patience, and constant attention.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Areona Carter, the founder and owner of Carter’s K-9, a Dallas-based dog training and homestyle boarding business. I started Carter’s K-9 with a simple goal: to provide dogs with a safe, nurturing environment where they can learn, grow, and feel truly at home. Our approach is force-free and focused on positive reinforcement, and we maintain a small dog-to-trainer ratio so every dog receives individualized attention.
At Carter’s K-9, we specialize in both professional training and homestyle boarding. Our training programs are designed to build trust, confidence, and clear communication between dogs and their owners, helping families enjoy a stronger bond with their pets. Our boarding services provide a cozy, secure, and enriched environment, allowing dogs to feel comfortable and happy while their owners are away.
We are also excited to offer biweekly group classes for current and previous training clients at The Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. With 4–6 dogs per class at 10:30 a.m., these sessions give dogs the opportunity to practice behaviors around other dogs in a safe, supportive, and fun setting at a discounted price.
I am always working to expand our programs, create new ways for dogs to be enriched and confident, and ensure that every pet and owner who chooses us feels supported and understood. Carter’s K-9 is more than a business; it is a community built on love, patience, and respect for every dog’s personality.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
God saw my full potential long before I ever did. From rescuing dogs, cats, and even injured birds, to taking them to shelters and caring for them, He was preparing me for this journey. Even my path through college and studying Agricultural Communications & Journalism gave me a diverse set of skills that now help me connect with and engage all of my clients. Every experience, every animal, and every challenge was shaping me to run Carter’s K-9 and serve dogs and their families in the way I do today.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most in my life is feeling like everything has to be perfect before the world sees it. I have often waited until I thought every detail was just right before sharing my ideas, my work, or even myself. Over time, I have learned that progress and connection happen when you show up, even if it is not flawless. That lesson has been especially important in running Carter’s K-9, where every dog, every client, and every training session is unique and sometimes imperfect but still meaningful and impactful. I apply the same principle to training, focusing on consistent effort and patience rather than perfection, helping both dogs and their owners grow and improve together.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to believe there was only one “right” way to get results with dog training. Over time, I’ve realized that you can achieve similar outcomes using different methods. I might not personally agree with every approach, but I don’t judge or bash anyone. There’s a lane for everyone in this field. If you don’t agree with a method, the best approach is to share your knowledge, educate, and show why your methods work, rather than putting others down.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, my clients would miss the personal care their dogs receive and the relationship we share. They often reach out for support and get immediate feedback from me, and everything I do is genuine because I truly care about the wellbeing of both the dog and their owner. Every dog gets individualized attention, and every family feels supported and understood, creating trust, connection, and peace of mind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cartersk9llc.com/
- Instagram: @CARTERSK9_
- Facebook: CARTERS K9 LLC
- Other: TIKTOK: CARTERSK9
Image Credits
@lOVEFORPAWSPHOTO
